Comments on expanding the clinical role of psychologists.

The interest by psychologists in prescription privileges is welcome because it is a manifestation of the long overdue acknowledgement of the efficacy of medication for many mental disorders. The lack of national academic standards in psychology, however, poses a problem. Psychologists are certified in title only and are not licensed to perform any procedure, although there have been efforts to standardize the training of psychologists. Currently, states regulate the title, but no national educational standards exists. Therefore, psychologists are not able to claim they are a homogeneous patient care resource.